|
Goa Golden Beaches Tour
Places to visit - Goa -Lakshwadeep -
Cochin - Andaman & Nicobar Island - Kovalam
Goa
has over the centuries, opened its doors and its heart to the Mauryan, Kadambas,
Yadavs, Chalukyas, Dravidians, Arynas, Delhi Sultants, Vijaynagar rulers,
Bahamani Sultans, Arabs, Persians and Jews.
Finally in 1510 an event took place
that was to leave an indelible mark on this "Pearl of the Orient".
A Portuguese
explorer, Afonso de Albuquerque sailed up the river Mandovi, defeated the
Bijapuri army and rode into the capital triumphantly bearing a Portuguese
Standard in one hand, and a Gold Crucifix in the other. |
|
A curious blending of
cultures took place, affecting every sphere of Goa life, from religion to
architecture, cuisine to art. The chapter of Goa's history ended 451 years later
when Goa ceased to be a Portuguese colony, and became a part of the Indian
Union.
Goa's over 100 kms long coastline is studded with some of the
world's loveliest beaches - Calangute, Colva, Baga, Vagator and Miaramar. Golden
Beaches, Blue Skies and Pale Green Hills, Silvery Sand fringed with palms - this
is Goa - the land of Paradoxes, the land of Fun and Frolic, of calm and
tranquility.
|
|
An amalgamation of religious architecture, built in the 16th
century, it was a city with awe inspiring Cathedrals.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus,
the Church of Our Lady of Rosary, the St. Cathedral with its fourteen splendid
altars, and the Convent of St. Francis of Assisi are the magnificent sites to
visit.
Lakshadweep, off the coast of Kerala, scattered in Arabian Sea, it
is the Union Territory of India.
Of the 36 islands in Lakshadweep, only 10 are
inhabited. Four of the ten islands are permitted to be visited to the Indian
Nationals while only one island - Bangaram is opened for the foreign tourists
few years ago.. |
The island has a hotel called Bangaram Island Resort run by
Casino Group of hotels, one of the pioneers of tourism industry in South India.
The hotel provides accommodation for 60 persons in spacious huts and offers sea
sports like Deep Sea Fishing, Snorkeling, Sailing/Rowing Boats and Scuba Diving.
Connected
with Cochin on air-route with Agatti airport and on by boat for one and a half
hour brings the tourists to this pretty island resort.
The Andaman and
Nicobar Islasnds are a group of 293 islands that lie scattered over a span of
725 km.
The capital of the Union Territory of India, Port Blair, is lined by air
to Calcutta and Madras.
For many Indians right until the early part of this
century, the Andamans were dreaded penal settlement known as Kala Pani or Black
Water where the most hardened criminals were sent, never to be seen again.
There
are number of interesting islands which are allowed to be visited by the foreign
tourists. To name a few, Corbyn's Cove, Snob, Jolly Boy, Red Skin, Cinque
islands are few important ones.
|
|
The accommodation is available at
moderate and good standard hotels. The best hotel in Portblair is Bay Island
situated on a cliff belonging to Welcomgroup, Andamans Beach Resort, Sinclairs
Bay View and many other smaller ones. Sea Sports like Snorkeling, Deep Sea
Fishing, Rowing/Sailing Boats and Scuba Diving is possible and can be arranged
through hotels or through tourist office.
Kovalam,
green and serene, sunwashed and golden, tranquil palm-fringed lagoons, a
paradise, an ethereal vision of a poet's inspiration - no wonder Kerala is named
after "Kera", the beautiful coconut palm. Kovalam Beach Resort, 13 km south of
Trivandrum is one of the best beaches of South India.
The peaceful health resort
is endowed with a beauty of its own. Small palm fringed bays seperated by rocky
headlands, pale sands, gentle surf and lush green lawns attract a large number
of tourists from all over the world. A health and Yoga centre provides Kerala's
healing Ayurvedic touch to the visitors.
|
|
